1957 in Shamokin re-created in new mural

Harry J. Deitz/For The News-Item
A 42-foot-long mural of Shamokin was unveiled Saturday at Irish Isle Pot of Gold in Coal Township.

Earl Sheriff, owner of Irish Isle Pot of Gold, Coal Township, stands in front of a mural created there by Shawn and Nina McGugan.

The year 1957 has been re-created in a mural commissioned by Coal City Revitalization and painted by Shawn and Nina McGugan, of Shamokin.

The mural, located at Irish Isle Pot of Gold, 911 W. Arch St., Coal Township, was unveiled Saturday afternoon. It provides a stunning flashback to the days of the Majestic and Victoria theaters, Shamokin's first night game under the lights, Edgewood Park, dress shops, F&S Brewery, Jones Hardware store and nuggets of Shamokin's vast history.

The McGugans spent about six months on the 42-foot-long mural. They researched Shamokin's past through phone calls, websites, the public library, memory books and old photos. Coal City helped with research and securing the mural to the concrete, which became more challenging than expected.

Matt Losiewicz, Coal City president, received a phone call hours before the unveiling revealing a vehicle had run into the wall directly beneath the painting. Fortunately, there was no major damage to the mural. Scott Fabrizo and Losiewicz hope to do additional fundraising to further a partnership with area artists to further brighten up the community.

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